Fina has responded to the controversy over 'technological doping' in swimming by banning hi-tech swimsuits that have helped to set more than 100 world records over the past two years.

Having tried to ban or seek modifications to more than 100 hi-tech swimsuits on the grounds that they broke the rules by being technical aids, Fina caved into legal threats just a few weeks prior to the World Championships currently taking place in Rome.

However, the new rule now says from 2010 only suits made from "textiles" will be permitted, though that term has yet to be defined.

"The most important thing is that it's textile only," Mark Schubert, head coach and general manager of the U.S. national team said. "I think we sent a strong message as to our feeling of what the suit should be."

The new rules won't take effect at these swimming championships, where dozens more world records could be set in suits made from materials such as polyurethane.

The legislation was passed by the World Swimming Federation at its Congress in Rome as a general rule, but then a subsequent motion from Britain to make the rules part of Fina's bylaws was accepted, putting the matter in the hands of Fina's bureau.

"That's what passed, but obviously if it applies to Olympics and world championships, each federation can make it apply and in the case of the United States, our policy has always been to follow Fina rules," Schubert said.

The question of how to define textiles is unlikely to be determined until the next Fina bureau meeting in September or October.

The Americans originally wanted men's suits to be limited only from going beyond the shoulders or knees.

"We amended it last night after meeting last night with Cornel (Marculescu, Fina's executive director) and the coaches of the major swimming countries, and that was the consensus of the coverage that they wanted, so that's why we made the switch," Schubert said.

"It was a little bit more severe switch, but we're pleased."

Paolo Barelli, the president of the Italian swimming federation, had a mixed reaction. Italy was opposed to the new suits before last year's Olympics, when the Americans and Australians benefited with Speedo's LZR.

Now, suits from Italian manufacturers Jaked and Arena are considered the fastest on the market.

"All the nations now need to study this rule carefully, without regard to manufacturers or market factors," Barelli said. "We've got to take a step backward, with precise rules equal for everyone. My Anglo-Saxon friends need to realise that this mess began in Jan. 2008."